FOOTASYLUM AND NEW BALANCE TAKE OVER MANCHESTER WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE “1000”
Beyond the Box: How a Community-Led Launch Rewrote the Rulebook for Manchester’s Creative Ecosystem
Manchester has always been a city where the threads of music and youth identity are tightly woven. This past Wednesday, 25th February, Footasylum and New Balance didn’t just launch a trainer; they embedded themselves into the very fabric of that culture. To celebrate the return of the New Balance 1000, the brands took over Stage & Radio, partnering with the legendary Crop Radio for a night that prioritised the local creative ecosystem over traditional product hype.
The choice of location was a deliberate nod to the grassroots. Crop Radio, a Manchester-born, community-led powerhouse, has become the definitive platform for the next generation of talent. By hosting the event at their HQ, Footasylum and New Balance placed the product directly inside the culture it seeks to represent.
The guest list was a curated mix of the city’s most influential tastemakers, hyperlocal content creators, and the loyal Footasylum community. From the jump, the energy was authentic—a community-first celebration that felt more like a family gathering than a corporate launch.
The legendary Chunky—a cornerstone of the Manchester rap and grime scene—stepped up as the night’s host, his energy acting as the catalyst for the basement’s high-octane atmosphere.
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The Electric Energy: The night kicked off with sets from imad:re and Buckley, setting a sophisticated electronic tone before Hanz took the reigns. The peak of the evening arrived during the live cypher, where mamba.exe, Cola B, Rago Loco, and Slay sent the crowd into absolute overdrive with relentless bars and hometown pride. MBB closed out the night, keeping the floor moving until the final lights.
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The Top Floor Sanctuary: For those looking for a change of pace, the top floor hosted the Crop Radio Residency. Emile & Bibi (representing the KAMO collective) live-streamed directly from the booth, offering a laid-back, lounge-style contrast to the basement’s intensity.
The New Balance 1000 itself was the silent protagonist of the evening. Originally a performance silhouette from the early 2000s, its bold lines and technical detailing feel right at home amongst Manchester’s underground club styling.
Crucially, the 1000 wasn’t just sitting on a pedestal; it was seeded to every performer. It was worn, moved in, and scuffed on the dance floor—exactly how a trainer should be experienced. Attendees even had the chance to bag their own pair via branded scratch cards in the bar area, while a custom graffiti wall allowed guests to leave a permanent mark on the event.
In an era of fleeting digital activations, this collaboration mattered because it was rooted in reality. By championing underrepresented artists and providing a platform for grassroots talent, Footasylum and New Balance proved that they aren’t just observers of Manchester’s music scene—they are active supporters of it.
This wasn’t just a recap of a Wednesday night; it was a testament to the power of Manchester’s creative spirit.
Keep up with the community:
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Footasylum: @footasylum
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New Balance: @newbalancelifestyle
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Crop Radio: @crop.radio
About Footasylum
Established in 2005, Footasylum has become one of the UK’s leading retailers of fashion streetwear and sportswear. With a finger on the pulse of youth culture, they bridge the gap between world-class brands and the local communities that define them. Beyond the shelves, Footasylum is committed to fostering authentic connections within music and creative spaces, consistently spotlighting the talent and trends that drive the streets forward.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has a proud history of merging function and fashion for over a century. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity, the brand has transitioned from a performance powerhouse to a global cultural icon. By revisiting archival classics like the 1000, New Balance continues to lead the conversation in streetwear, staying true to its heritage while constantly innovating for the next generation of creators.
